Red alert issued for TN, heavy rains predicted

A Red Alert has been sounded in Tamil Nadu and Kerala for October seven as heavy rains in excess of 25 cm would occur in view of the low pressure area over the Southeast Arabian sea which was likely to concentrate into a depression and intensify into a cyclonic storm.

Speaking to reporters, RMC ACWC Director S Balachandran, said, “A low pressure area will be developing over Southeast Arabian sea tomorrow. It will concentrate into a depression and move Northwestwards during the next 48 hours following which it will intensity into a cyclonic and move towards Oman.”

He added: “In wake of this, heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorm with lightning is likely to occur at isolated places over Tamilnadu and Puducherry till Sunday. In the last 24 hours, Kmkoil and Pullambadi recorded a maximum rainfall of 11 cm each followed by Tiruchendur which recorded 10 cm.

People in all the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu were advised to move to safer places following forecast of heavy rains on Sunday, that might lead to conditions favourable for the onset of Northeast monsoon in the State.

Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and its suburbs, since last night, as the cyclonic circulation over southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area extending up to 0.9 km above mean sea level persists.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department’s map, the entire state is under the alert category on Sunday, meaning the state must brace for heavy rainfall.

As per the IMD’s All India Weather Warning Bulletin, heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy falls is likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu on Sunday.

As for the next couple of days, heavy to very heavy rain is very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on October 4, Thursday, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Similar predictions have been made for October 5, Friday and Saturday.